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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.